Leeds

Location of Leeds

Leeds in West Yorkshire is the third largest city in the United Kingdom, with a history tracing back to the fifth century. It has been variously named as the UK’s favourite city, the UK’s best shopping destination and the visitor city of the year. Visit the dedicated pages to find out more about the Leeds Uncon venue and options for accommodation in Leeds.

Getting Here

Leeds has fantastic transport links from all over the UK and Europe. There are direct connections by train and bus from all over the UK, a shuttle bus to the city centre from Leeds Bradford International airport and easy access by road. If you have a little more time on your hands it can also be reached by canal!

The city is very centrally located within the UK with approximate driving times of 3 hours 45 minutes from London and Bristol or 4 hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh.

Attractions in and Around Leeds

There are a great number of attractions which we feel people may be interested in visiting while in Yorkshire, a selection of which are listed below.

Cultural Attractions

West Yorkshire Playhouse – one of the busiest theatres outside of London, located at Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UP.

Grand Theatre – Victorian theatre and opera house located at 46 New Briggate Street, Leeds, LS1 6NZ. The theatre is home to Opera North.

City Museum – located at Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH this is a free museum featuring four floors of interactive and exciting galleries.

City Art Gallery – the home of contemporary art in Yorkshire, this is a free gallery located at The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AA.

Shopping Attractions

Leeds Market – the largest indoor market in the country, housed in Edwardian buildings famous for their ornamental dragons. Kirkgate Market is located at Vicar Lane, Leeds, LS2 7HY.

Harvey Nichols – the first Harvey Nicks outside of London, opened in 1996 and with shopping across 5 floors. The Leeds Harvey Nichols is located at 107-111 Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6AZ.

Leeds Corn Exchange

Corn Exchange – a Grade 1 listed Victorian building which is the home of boutique shopping in Leeds. The Corn Exchange is located at Call Lane, Leeds.

Victoria Quarter – one of the UK’s finest shopping destinations, housing the best designer fashion and lifestyle brands within Grade II listed buildings. Victoria Quarter is located at the heart of Leeds City Centre.

Trinity Leeds – with over 120 stores, restaurants, and a cinema, Trinity Leeds is the city centre’s newest shopping experience.

Nearby Attractions

There are many places within a short distance from the City Centre which are worth a visit:

Kirkstall Abbey – A ruined Cistercian monastery dating from the mid 12th Century just 3 miles from the city centre.

Haworth – home of the Bronte sisters. Take a train from Leeds to Keighley then hop on a steam train to Howarth. You may want to stop en route at Oakworth, the station made famous in the 1970 film of the Railway Children.

Harrogate – spa town, Turkish baths, Betty’s tea rooms and famous for being the place where Agatha Christie stayed during her infamous disappearance in 1926.

York – beautiful historic walled city featuring York Minster and a Viking heritage. Location of CJ Sansom’s “Sovereign” and Kate Atkinson’s “Behind the Scenes at the Museum”. Also home of the National Railway Museum for anyone interested in that sort of thing! Others may prefer the Castle Museum, which contains the cell Dick Turpin was kept in before his execution.

Ilkley – visit the famous moor, with or bar t’at. If you plan to stay in Yorkshire a little longer, the Ilkley Literature festival is taking place the following weekend.

Saltaire – a Victorian model village built on the river Aire by Titus Salt, a philanthropic mill owner who believed in providing for his workers spiritual and educational needs. Until recently this was a ‘dry village’, respecting Salt’s tea total beliefs, but now has watering holes including the charmingly named “Don’t Tell Titus” bar. Once the home of a thriving textile mill, Saltaire is now a UNESCO world heritage site, and Salt’s Mill is, among other things, the home to a collection of works by local artist, David Hockney.

Important Details

Recent News

For those of you who are planning on taking photos during the Uncon, or just those who want to see photos taken by others, you may want to join the flickr group for the event that has been set up by our treasurer . The group can also be used for other photos which relate […]